The Spain international has been linked with a move to the Premier League at the turn of 2013, with Chelsea mentioned as a possible destination for the ex-Valencia star.

However, Iniesta believes that Villa is important to the Blaugrana succeeding this season and hopes that he remains at Camp Nou.

"I don't know if that's a possibility," he told reporters, when asked about the sale of Villa in January at a ceremony to celebrate the renaming of Albacete's training ground after him.

"I don't think [it will happen]. Personally I wouldn't like it, because Villa is a key player."

Barca currently sit top of La Liga having forged an intimidating 16-point lead over their perennial rivals Real Madrid.

And despite Tito Vilanova side's dominance, Villa has been unable to break into the first-team and has been limited to appearances off the bench since returning from injury at the start of the campaign.